Sampling apparatus

Abstract

Apparatus for sampling the fluid contents of a container comprising an elongate tube open at one end and having at its other end a cap provided with an air passage. Extending through the tube is an operating rod having a stopper at one end and a valve between its ends. A handle connected to the rod is operable to move the rod between positions in which the opposite ends of the tube are sealed by the stopper and the valve, respectively.

I claim: 
     
       1. Sampling apparatus comprising an elongate tube open at both of its ends; an operating rod slideably accommodated in said tube and having a diameter less than that of said tube; a flexible, conical stopper fixed to one end of said rod for sliding movement with the latter from a first position beyond one end of said tube to a second position in sealing engagement with said one end of said tube, the smaller end of said stopper being of lesser diameter than the internal diameter of said tube and the larger end of said stopper being of greater diameter than the internal diameter of said tube; a valve seat seated on the other end of said tube, said valve seat having an opening therein through which said rod slideably passes; a flexible, conical valve fixed to said rod for sliding movements with the latter into and out of sealing engagement with said seat as said stopper moves into and out of sliding engagement with said one end of said tube, the smaller end of said valve being of lesser diameter than that of the opening in said seat and the larger end of said valve being of greater diameter than that of the opening in said seat, said seat and said valve together sealing said other end of said tube when said valve is in sealing engagement with said seat; and operating means carried by said rod outwardly of the other end of said tube for effecting simultaneous sliding movements of said rod, said stopper, and said valve relative to said tube. 
     
     
       2. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 including guide means reacting between said rod and said tube for maintaining the longitudinal axes of said rod and said tube coaxial. 
     
     
       3. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 including a cap at said other end of said tube through which said rod extends, said valve seat being located between said cap and said other end of said tube. 
     
     
       4. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 including an air passage at said other end of said tube, said valve seat being located between said air passage and said one end of said tube. 
     
     
       5. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 including a cap at said other end of said tube through which said rod extends, said cap having an air passage therein, said valve seat being located between said air passage and said one end of said tube. 
     
     
       6. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said operating means comprises a handle pivoted to said rod for rocking movements relative thereto between a first position in which said handle extends athwart the longitudinal axis of said rod and a second position in which said handle substantially parallels such axis. 
     
     
       7. Sampling apparatus according to claim 6 including a cap at said other end of said tube, an end of said handle being engageable with said cap when said handle occupies said second position. 
     
     
       8. Sampling apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said cap has a recess therein for the accommodation of a part of said handle. 
     
     
       9. Sampling apparatus according to claim 7 wherein said cap has an air passage therein, said valve seat being between said air passage and said one end of said tube. 
     
     
       10. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said larger end of said stopper has a recess therein forming an annular wall. 
     
     
       11. Sampling apparatus according to claim 10 wherein said recess is frustoconical. 
     
     
       12. Sampling apparatus according to claim 1 wherein said larger end of said stopper has a peripheral, radially extending flange for abutting said one end of said tube when said stopper is in sealing engagement with said one end of said tube. 
     
     
       13. Sampling apparatus comprising an elongate tube; an operating rod slideably accommodated in said tube and having a diameter less than that of said tube; a stopper fixed to one end of said rod for sliding movement with the latter into and out of sealing engagement with the corresponding end of said tube; a valve seat adjacent the other end of said tube; a valve carried by said rod for sliding movements with the latter into and out of sealing engagement with said seat as said stopper moves into and out of sealing engagement with said corresponding end of said tube; a cap at said other end of said tube; and an operating handle pivoted to said rod for effecting sliding movements thereof relative to said tube, said handle being rockable relative to said rod between a first position in which said handle extends athwart the longitudinal axis of said rod and a second position in which said handle substantially parallels such axis, said handle being engageable with said cap when said handle occupies said second position, and said cap having a recess therein for the accommodation of a part of said handle.